Next up in our look back at the A’s players in 2025, we turn back to the bullpen, remembering our time with Michael Kelly. What role will he play in the A’s pen in 2026?
How was he acquired?
The San Diego
Padres selected Michael Kelly in the first round of the 2011 MLB Amateur Draft with the 48th overall selection out of West Boca Raton Community High School in Boca Raton, Florida, where he was a starting pitcher for the school. After ten years toiling in the minor leagues, the Phillies added him to their 40-man roster in 2022 for the first time and he made four appearances before being sent back the minors. He signed with the Cleveland Guardians in 2023 and pitched in fourteen major league games before being DFA’d at the end of the season. He was claimed by the A’s in November of 2023 off the waiver wire.
What were the expectations?
Kelly was suspended for one year for violating MLB’s gambling policies and resumed his career on June 5, 2025, with the A’s.
2025 Results
The 33-year-old righty tossed 39.2 innings in forty-two appearances for the A’s in 2025. He was 4-4 with a 3.18 ERA and twenty-nine strikeouts all in relief. He also saved two games for the Athletics and logged six holds with no blown saves.
2026 Outlook
Without a named closer headed into the 2026 season, Kelly will likely play a significant role in the team’s pen. I think we can expect him to enter the game in high leverage situations in the seventh through ninth innings.
